Recommended by BBC: 5 Must-Visit Emerging Neighborhoods Around Tokyo

▲Camelback Café (Photo/Camelback official page)

By Rita

Taiwanese travelers are familiar with Tokyo’s Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Harajuku districts. Although they may have already visited, new shops—such as unique boutiques, cafés, and restaurants—keep popping up around this major city.BBC Travelhas introduced 5 emerging areas in Tokyo that visitors to Japan might want to consider exploring again.

▲Yushima Tenjin Shrine (Photo/Wikipedia)

1. In Front of Yushima Tenjin Shrine
Hidden within Setagaya Ward, Yushima Tenjin Shrine has been gradually gaining attention. A well-known publication, Time Out Tokyo, featured this area, describing it as having “trendy bakeries, bookstores, and fashionable restaurants right in front of the train station.” Don’t miss the Makizaki senbei (rice crackers).

Makizaki Senbei Address: 3-17-9 Wakabayashi, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo

▲Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station (Photo/Wikipedia)

2. Kiyosumi-Shirakawa
This is a great spot to discover high-quality coffee, and the surrounding shopping area also features boutique bakeries and craft shops, some of which date back to the Edo period. It’s also home to the Tokyo Museum of Contemporary Art, though it’s currently under renovation.

3. Tominami-Fuchu
Located in the northwest of Tokyo, this area has become very popular with travelers over the past year. Here you can find Norwegian-style coffee shops, stores that make chocolate from cocoa beans, and more. The famous sandwich shop Camelback is always crowded, and nearby restaurant Greed also draws plenty of visitors.

▲Daikanyama (Photo/Wikipedia)

4. Daikanyama
This is an emerging area following the popularity of Shibuya, especially recently with the influx of boutique shops and international cuisine adding fresh appeal. It is home to what is hailed as Japan’s most beautiful Tsutaya Bookstore, as well as a cinema and cafés. Log Road Complex is a shopping center featuring a brewery and specialty doughnuts. In addition, Daikanyama is also known for its electronic music scene.

▲Kakimori Stationery Shop (Photo/Kakimori official page)

5. Kuramae
Located to the east of Tokyo, this area attracts many young creatives due to relatively low rents. A small shopping center called The East houses coffee roasters, burger joints, and bars. At Kakimori Stationery Shop, visitors can customize their own notebooks. This area is also a great place to view the Tokyo Skytree.